The first soldier to be executed for desertion in the US Civil War was a Confederate.

The first soldier to be executed for desertion in the US Civil War was a Confederate. Private Isaac Cave was executed on September 18, 1861 by the Confederate Army for desertion. <br><br>The first soldier to be executed for desertion in the US Army has been forgotten by history, Private James S. Windsor of the 7th Infantry, US Army who was executed on November 30, 1861.